What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?

An Applicant Tracking System, or ATS, is a software solution aimed at streamlining and managing the recruitment process. It helps organizations to automate many of the manual tasks associated with recruiting and hiring, such as posting job ads, receiving and organizing resumes, and tracking candidate progress through the hiring process. Its main objective is to make recruitment easier and more organized, enabling companies to effectively handle large amounts of job applications and allow companies to focus on selecting the best candidate for the job.


Why build an ATS by yourself?

Building an ATS yourself can provide greater control and customization, as well as cost savings

  1. Cost: One of the primary benefits of building an ATS in-house is that it can be more cost-effective compared to purchasing a commercial solution, which comes with pay-per-job costs that usually range from $10 to $500 per active position. This is particularly true for smaller organizations that may not need all the advanced features offered by commercial solutions and would prefer to allocate their resources elsewhere.
  2. Unique Design Style: By building an ATS yourself, you have the opportunity to create a unique design style that fits your company's brand and culture. This can be especially important for companies that want to differentiate themselves and make a positive impression on job applicants.
  3. Expandability: When you build an ATS yourself, you have the ability to add new features and functionality as your needs change over time. This can be more difficult with commercial solutions, which may not offer the level of customization you need. Additionally, as your organization grows, you can add new features and functionality to your ATS to keep pace with your changing needs.

How to create your own ATS with Acho App Builder?


Creating an ATS app on Acho is pretty achievable. Though it may take some time depending on the complexity of your requirements, here’re some general steps you can take to build one yourself.

  1. Create database
    a. Establish Entity-Relationship (E-R) Relations:

Defining the relationships between different entities will help you organize and structure the data in your ATS. In this step, you may establish the connections between various entities in your ATS. For example, you may have an "Applicant" entity, a "Job" entity, and a "Application" relationship linking them.

 b. Create a PostgreSQL Data node (with PostgreSQL)

Acho app builder provides a powerful tool for easily accessing your database using SQL queries. Create a PostgreSQL Data Node to connect to your database and interact with stored data. The node will be used for running SQL queries and retrieving data from the database.

 c. Write SQL query in Data node to create tables

2. Create recruiter page

a. List of Jobs: On the main page, a list of all jobs should be aggregated to provide an overview of current jobs.

create a recruiter page on acho
create an internal ATS on Acho

b. Job Details: When a recruiter clicks on a job, navigate to the job page that displays all relevant information about the job, including the job description, requirements, and any other details. Enable recruiters to edit and update the job information as needed. Use Data nodes and interaction wisely to facilitate this functionality.

  i. Add one Data node for updating purposes

  ii. Add SQL parameters in the data node

data node on Acho

 iii. Include text editors on Job details page

 iv. Utilize interactions to reflect changes made on the text editors to the SQL parameters, allowing for the updates to be made to the database.

design action flow on acho

c. Candidate Overview: The job page should also display a list of all candidates who have applied for the job. This list should include basic information about each candidate, such as their name, resume, and application status.

d. Candidate Information: By clicking on a candidate, recruiters should be able to view a detailed profile of the candidate, including their resume.

3. Create applicant page

a. List of Jobs: On the main page, a list of all available jobs should be aggregated to provide an overview of current opening jobs.

b. Job Details: When an applicant clicks on a job, navigate to the job page that displays all relevant information about the job, including the job description, requirements, and any other details.

c. Apply for Job: On the job page, include a clear "Apply" button for applicants to submit their application for the job. Utilize form elements in Acho App Builder to design the application form, which should include fields for applicants to fill out, a place for them to upload their resume, and a way to submit the completed application. Remember to display a confirmation message to let them know that their application has been received!

create applicant page

In short, building an Applicant Tracking System with Acho App Builder is a cost-effective, customizable, and scalable solution for organizations looking to streamline their recruitment process. By utilizing Acho App Builder's Data Node, form elements and interactions, you can create a functional and user-friendly ATS that meets your organization's specific needs and requirements.

Check out the production app here (https://jobs.acho.io/09b3d735-030a-424f-85de-014ece787382). Feel free to submit an application if you're interested in working at Acho too!

Contact us in the chat box on the bottom right corner of this page if you have any questions!